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They generally have one identifiable centre point, from which emanate an array of symbols, shapes and other geometric and organic forms.Īlternate the placement of the flower petals in each row when compared to the previous one.
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To me, a mandala is a symbol of spiritual awakening, or a search for enlightenment. Although, I have seen many that don’t necessarily fit the traditional description. In the modern era, it is often the circular repetition of shapes within the design that defines it as a mandala. Literally it means “circle” and can mean anything that is round or circular. The word mandala comes from Sanskrit, an ancient Indian language.
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One example would be the many ‘ Hand Of Fatima’ tattoos I have seen, not circular, but definitely a mandala of sorts. They are often drawn with a square and four gates containing a circle with a centre point, but I have seen many that don’t necessarily fit the traditional description. Traditionally, Mandala art is circular in design, but In modern terms a mandala can be any symbol that helps to focus the mind.
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